Divine Reflections: Mama Tabulah's 65th Earthday!

Sandra Pretlow and Mama Tabulah

I recently attended the 65th "Earthday" celebration of Mama Vivian "Tabulah" Adigun. The high energy of the elders in attendance was contagious! At 65, 75, 85, & yes, even 95 years of age-they still exhibited a wonderful zest for living!

Taulah dances while Baba Omawalie and guests look on.

The lively celebration was held at the Memorial Garden Senior Apts. in Bolton Hill. Mama Tabulah is an esteemed African Dance instructor who lived in "Cali" for many years and studied under Eartha Kitt. The spirit of her internationally reknowned mentor clearly lives on in Mama Taulah. The gorgeous, fabulously fit, sister lit up the room with her constant flow of sexy, Afro-centric movements. Mama Tabulah has the high energy of a 20 year old, combined with decades of experience! Wow! She was stunning in a white lace tunic spangled with silver paillettes, over a long white dress with a thigh high slit. At her request, most of the attendees also wore white, which elevated the affair to a high spiritual level.

Seniors enjoyed good food, fellowshipping and hand dancing to old school doo wop which was the order of the evening, until the reggae beat began to reverberate through the room. Then it was on! The energy went right through the roof when brother Kaki (well known local artist, Robert Mcqueen), his sister Inora McQueen (poet, musician & cultural historian), Tabulah's close friend, Sandra Pretlow, and Mocko Jumbi (or stilt walker), Brother Bilal, began drumming as if their lives depended on it!

It was clear that the primal rhythms were intensely felt by all. Talk about therapeutic! One 95 year old brother stayed on the dance floor and amazingly kept up with every move thrown on him by Sister Sandra. Elders and youngsters-those of us below 60-took to the floor and danced with the abandon of children that don't care who's watching! Check out the pix below!